Phone preamp question

I have a Bellari VP129 that I use in a dedicated vinyl/headphone system and have always been shocked by how well it performs.  My only nit that I wish I had a fix for is when you power it up, it will send a "pop" to your amp so be careful to power it up before your amp.

These units have been heavily modified by many but the biggest bang for your buck is a better tube, then the power supply.

Most definitely. High quality audio is always directly associated with high quality power supplies.

Although I really doubt ^that^ is a truism, @thecarpathian could certainly try it and report back, which could give us some insight worth respect to the Bellari, but doesn’t say much about other gear.

These units have been heavily modified by many but the biggest bang for your buck is a better tube, then the power supply.

Yes, that’s next. The 12ax7 that comes with it is a ’Ruby’, whomever the heck makes that, which I’m certain can be improved upon. Going to get an nos low microphonics Telefunken from a guy close to me here in Connecticut. Too bad it’s not a 12au7 in the Bellari as I’ve got many really nice nos ones already.

@holmz , good idea! I’ll switch them out one of these nights and see if I can hear a difference. Just keep in mind we’re not dealing with real high end stuff here. I'll also report back on the tube switch out.

High quality audio is always directly associated with high quality power supplies.

It's a very general statement. No offense intended, but I'm not sure a bare bones $250 Bellari phono preamp qualifies as high quality. In this case, switching out power supplies will probably not reveal much. Tube rolling in this scenario would probably make more sense when trying to upgrade audio performance. I've personally always loved Telefunken's myself. 

I am glad you posted this, I did not know Bellari was made in USA. 

Glad to hear about it, just sent info to a friend.